DJ/producer duo The Chainsmokers – Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart – return with a brief 13-minute, four-song EP, ‘Sick Boy.’ The results are mixed at best.

We all knew it was happening, and indeed, it did.  What happened prey tell? A new project – an EP – courtesy of Grammy-winning dance/electronic music duo, The Chainsmokers.  Keeping it real, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart struggled mightily with their 2017 full-length, debut album, Memories…Do Not Open. That project earned three stars, but in hindsight, that was being far too kind.  Here, the duo is in more accessible territory with the four-song EP, Sick Boy.  It’s not downright horrible, but nor is it particularly great.

“Somebody”

Writers: Andrew Taggart, Drew Love & Emily Warren « Producers: The Chainsmokers

Sick Boy commences with “Somebody,” featuring Drew Love.  Drew Love is the first voice (and first sound) we hear, singing the chorus in lovely fashion with his pure tenor.  Andrew Taggarthandles the verses, clearly contrasting the smoother Love with lower, slightly more weathered vocals.  Notably, Taggart and Love duet, beginning subtly on the second verse, and more pronouncedly on the choruses. In regards to the production, “Somebody” is arguably the most contemporary record of the bunch, fusing pop, electronic, and even elements of the urban contemporary script. Is this a deep, profound record? Perhaps that’s what The Chainsmokers are aiming for in concept, but in realization, not so much.  Enjoyable enough though.

“Everybody Hates Me”

Writers: Andrew Taggart & Emily Warren « Producers: Shaun Frank & The Chainsmokers

“Yeah, let’s do it again but, uh, this time, uh, let’s go full psycho.” That’s the intro that kicks off the dark, pessimistic “Everybody Hates Me”.  The raspy-voiced Taggart is clearly in a mood.  Lines like “Yeah, I just wanna drink tequila with my friends” or “I’m so defeated, I just want this shit to end” sum up the hate that he feels.  The chorus, followed by a drop, seals the deal.

“So, I walk into the club like, everybody hates me…

I’m talkin’ to myself, shit, now they think I’m crazy…

Like everybody hates me.”

Ultimately, “Everybody Hates Me” is a well-produced record, successfully blending pop and dance.  It’s not game changing, but okay.

“You Owe Me”

Writers: Alex Pall, Andrew Taggart, Chelsea Jade & Emily Warren « Producers: Shaun Frank & The Chainsmokers

“You Owe Me” opens with signature The Chainsmokers cues, reminiscent the harmonic progression and intro from “All We Know” (Collage EP).  The production is bright and exuberant. Taggart dabbles in gossip, mischaracterization, and skepticism. “And they don’t really care if we’re awesome or not.” Hmm.  As interesting as that lyric is, perhaps the key lyric is, “But I know, they wanna see me hang on the wall.” The first verse has a bit more ‘meat,’ while the second verse is shorter, more repetitive, with less depth. On the chorus, Taggart exhibits enthusiasm, representing the best part of his performance. “You Owe Me” falls in line with the rest of this EP – it’s decent/good/okay, but not the second coming.

“Sick Boy”

Writers:Alex Pall, Andrew Taggart, Emily Warren & Tony Ann « Producers: Shaun Frank & The Chainsmokers

“Sick Boy” opens with piano accompaniment and the vocals of Andrew Taggart abruptly. What was notable about “Sick Boy” upon its arrival as a single were the more serious, thoughtful lyrics, particularly on the verses. A refrain of sorts separates the two verses, followed by a catchy, incredibly simple chorus:

“I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy…

They say that I am the sick boy

And they call me the sick boy.”

Concerning form, “Sick Boy” has lots of sections, lacking a standard, predictable overall form. It’s not groundbreaking, but, enjoyable enough.

Final Thoughts

Question: is the Sick Boy (EP) indeed sick? The answer is NO. All in all, The Chainsmokers have a moderately/relatively enjoyable, four-track project on their hands, but it’s “nothing to write home about.” Those who’ve struggled with Drew Taggart’s in the past vocals will likely continue to cry foul, though arguably, there’s vocal progression.  Those looking for a truly transcendent set of songs will also be disappointed.  That said, if that were the case, would a duo of DJs/producers be your go-to-choice in the first place?

Gem: “Sick Boy”

The Chainsmokers • Sick Boy (EP) • Disruptor / Columbia • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credits: Disruptor / Columbia